Military History

Since the first colonization of the Eastern Seaboard, New York State has played an important role in the development of the United States military. Across the state, you will find a wealth of forts, battlegrounds and military headquarters that preserve, recreate and honor our country’s military history. In the Hudson Valley, the United States Military Academy at West Point is situated majestically along the Hudson River. It was founded in 1778 as an army post, and in 1802 became what is today the country’s oldest service academy. Tour the grounds to take in its rich history, cadet parades and magnificent view of the Hudson.

Travel to the Adirondack village of Ticonderoga and experience life during the 18th century at Fort Ticonderoga, a restored garrison which dates back to the start of the French and Indian War in 1755 and was the site of events that helped shape the nations of North America and changed world history.

Three hundred years of history is just minutes from Niagara Falls in Youngstown at Old Fort Niagara. Built by the French in 1726, the fort was captured by the British during the French and Indian War, who later used it during the Revolutionary War and retained control of it until 1796. In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, discover military history at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. The site, on which a battle was fought in the War of 1812, today offers public exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, and the restored 1850’s Navy Yard and Commandant's House.

At the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake, visitors can explore how people have lived, worked, traveled and played in the Adirondacks from the 19th century up to today. Its 65,000 square... more

Operational World War II aircraft fly from a landmark hangar that was once part of Republic Aviation. Vintage army vehicles bring visitors along the fight line and up to historic control tower as... more

This garden is part of a permanent trail of Peace Gardens established along an historic route where events of the War of 1812 determined the future of the United States and the fate of many First... more

The Battle of Fort Ann, fought on July 8, 1777, was an engagement between Continental Army forces in retreat from Fort Ticonderoga and forward elements of John Burgoyne`s much larger British army... more

It was at the Battle of Plattsburgh that the British advance into the northern states was stopped. The Battle of Plattsburgh Association interprets and displays artifacts and materials significant to... more

At The Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts militia, under General John Stark rebuffed a British attempt led by Colonel Friedrich Baum to capture... more

The Brooklyn Navy Yard was founded in 1801 as the New York Naval Shipyard, one of the most active and innovative military shipbuilding facilities in the United States. During the Revolutionary War,... more

Built by English immigrant Captain Christopher Billopp around 1680, this stately manor was a wheat farm throughout the first century of its existence. The Conference House was the site of a 1776... more

Constitution Island, in the Hudson River, was fortified by the American army in 1775. British troops destroyed the earthworks on "Fort Constitution" in 1777. Following, Polish engineer Thaddeus... more